Suspected carjacker flubs getaway after failing to start hybrid car

A suspected carjacker flubbed his getaway when he couldn’t figure out how to drive off in his victim’s hybrid car in the Midway District early Monday, police said.

The 39-year-old man approached his victim on Midway Drive near Barnett Avenue and demanded his keys and cellphone about 6:05 a.m., San Diego police Officer Robert Heims said.

The 50-year-old man handed over his things, and the suspect proceeded to try to steal the victim’s Chevrolet Volt. After several failed attempts, the suspect ran off and threw away the keys and phone, Heims said.

Police found the suspect a short distance away, and he was arrested on suspicion of carjacking and robbery.